High reliance on a diet of Moose (Alces americanus) by Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans var.) in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans var.) scats were collected along transects in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada, from May 2012 to August 2013 to determine diet. Based on 294 scats, Moose (Alces americanus) remains made up the highest percentage by volume in scats during fall, winter, and spring. During the summer, Moose remains were found in over 30% of scats (18% by volume), although fruit and berries were more commonly found. No other study has documented such high annual use of Moose. As there was no evidence that the consumed Moose were killed by Coyotes, presumably Coyotes scavenged Moose that had died of natural causes.